Superintendent Ehren Jarrett: Outlook good for Rockford schools

ROCKFORD — A presentation detailing the state of Rockford schools and plans for districtwide improvements got a standing ovation today from community leaders.

Attendance and graduation rates have risen by 2 percent, Superintendent Ehren Jarrett told the Rockford School District’s Educational Outlook Luncheon. Ford Motor Co. recently included the city among 16 “next-generation learning communities,” and the district plans to implement a “peer-assisted review” program with the teacher’s union.

The review will identify struggling teachers who get extra training and instructions from the union. If the teachers do not improve, the union will recommend their removal from classrooms.

Jarrett also highlighted district plans to partner with Rock Valley College and the planned jet-repair facility at Chicago Rockford International Airport to offer hands-on aeronautics training to high school students.

Improvements to school facilities will help raise property values in Rockford, he said, which will ease pressure on the district’s budget by providing extra tax money.

Ben Stanley: 815-987-1369; bstanley@rrstar.com; @Ben_J_Stanley

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